God/father figure Karetao

 

(UEM181) Wooden figure/marionette or Karetao. Dervies from Hokianga on the North Island in Aotearoa, New Zealand. he object derives from the Classic Maori period (Te Puawiatanga 1500-1800). Carved out of wood, the Karetao is decorated with carved designs resembling Ta Moko (Maori tattoos) on its face. The holes on the shoulders were used for attaching the Karetaos arms with strings, which were tied at the back of the figure. The two holes on top of the head indicates that human hair may have been attached to it. When the string was pulled, it would make the karetao dance. 

This object was collected by Fredrik Ring in Valparaiso in Chile during the 1820s. The object itself derives from the Classic Maori period (Te Puawiatanga 1500-1800). Konsul Ring donated the object to the Ethnographic Museum in 1833. 76 cm.

 

Material: Wood  

Region and culture: Hokianga, New Zealand - Maori